Coach Kim Sang-sik: 'Vietnam team will not falter, the goal is to win all 3 points against Nepal'
Before the match against Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed that the Vietnamese team will play offensively to win all 3 points at home at Go Dau Stadium.
On the afternoon of October 8, coach Kim Sang-sik attended a press conference before the match between Vietnam and Nepal, in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. The Korean strategist affirmed that the whole team was ready to aim for the highest goal when playing at home:
“Tomorrow is the third match of the Asian Cup qualifiers, the Vietnamese team will play at home, so we and the players will not falter. Our goal is to move forward and win all 3 points. I hope the fans will come to the stadium to support the players. We will try to perform as best as possible.”
Evaluating the opponent, coach Kim Sang-sik said that he and his colleagues had prepared carefully, paying special attention to the two most dangerous players on the Nepal side.
“First of all, the goal of the next two matches is to win all six points. That is the only goal. Through video analysis, we realized that the Nepal team has two dangerous players who need to be blocked, number 7 and number 14. Actually, what we need to do is prepare our tactics, focus on our own tactics and not pay too much attention to our opponents," he affirmed.
When asked about the possibility of giving the U23 players a chance in the next two matches, the Korean coach remained tight-lipped: “I would like to keep this story a secret. The coaching staff and I are trying to help the two groups of players play together to have the best performance. The young players of Vietnam are very talented and are a springboard for future development.”
Talking about the absence of midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai, coach Kim Sang-sik expressed regret but at the same time affirmed that the team still has suitable replacement options.
“I am very sorry that Quang Hai has to be absent due to injury. He has good football skills, especially his left foot is very skillful. In addition, Quang Hai can also take free kicks and make a difference in passing. Missing such personnel makes us feel very regretful. But I believe Hoang Duc and Thanh Long will play well. I hope Quang Hai recovers soon.”
The absence of Quang Hai is clearly a significant loss for the Vietnamese team, as this player has always been considered a pillar in the attacking style of play. However, with the stability of Hoang Duc and the improved performance of Thanh Long, coach Kim Sang-sik still has enough basis to expect the team's midfield to operate smoothly against Nepal.
Finally, regarding the penalty that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has just received from FIFA, coach Kim Sang-sik appeared calm and did not want to comment further on this issue. “I think this issue should be left to FIFA. Whatever the final result is, I respect FIFA’s decision. Actually, this is not the main issue. We need to focus on winning against Nepal rather than worrying about that issue.”
The match between Vietnam and Nepal in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup will take place at 7:30 p.m. on October 9 at Go Dau Stadium (Ho Chi Minh City)./.